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Can't draw? Don't let your clumsy hands get in the way of great design

9 AUG 20170

I'll be the first to admit it, I just can't draw.

It's something that's irked me my whole life. My entire family, from my Grandma, to my mother, to by brother are all ridiculously gifted artists. They all paint, sketch, and even sculpt. But, somehow I missed out on whatever genetic quirk they have let's them take an image from their mind and put it on page.

I put in the work too. My childhood and teenage years are dotted with discarded sketchbooks, fancy pencil sets I fooled myself into thinking would unlock my inner-artist, and more than a few beginners guide books. Alas, for all my efforts, I still can't draw much more than a stick figure.

Maybe you're the same as me. However, just because we can't draw, that doesn't mean we can't design. There are all kinds of options out there to help the artistically challenged express their visual design ideas.

Visual design done easy

If all you need to make is a quick banner or background for a product shot, you don't need to be the next Picasso. All you need to know is where to look. There are a wealth of easy-to-use free design tools out there.

For creating a simple image with a few elements or some text, sites like Canva or Visage can help you draft something up quick. With a large library of backgrounds, images, text, and icons available for free (and even more if you don't mind kicking a dollar or two their way), you can go pretty far just using these tools.

There are some downsides however. For one, there can be occasional differences between what you see in the editor and how your image actually downloads on both sites, so you need to watch for that before you just DL and post. They can also look a little per-fabricated or generic if you're not careful.

These are good options to get you started. But, eventually you're going to want something completely unique and original to make your design really stand out. That's when you might need to call in a helping hand.

Inkslingers for hire

The beauty of the internet is how it can connect you with just the person you need. There are thousands of artists on the net capable of creating breathtaking art for a reasonable rate.

You can always try and find what you want by going to one of the more involved artists listings out there. Go Media Arsenal for example creates tons and tons of unique image packs you can purchase the rights to use. From artsy shapes and abstract designs to packs of edgy skulls and bones, you can find damn near anything you need. These clips are provided in a vector format as well, so you can easily resize them perfectly no matter how big or how small the design element you're creating is.

If you still can't find what you need there, you can always commission an artist to draw up your exact request. With a rough sketch or a detailed description, you can get in touch with someone who can translate that idea into reality.

Services like Behance can get you in touch with artists seeking commission work. You can browse their portfolio, compare rates, and find a good match for your project. There are some super talented people out there just waiting to help you! Remember though, these are professionals who expect to be compensated fairly. Don't be one of those creeps who ends up on "For Exposure” trying to convince an artist to work for free or peanuts.

Hiring an outside artist isn't something you're going to want to do for every project, but when a job demands an extra special touch, bringing in a pro might be just what you need.

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